The bill would ban anyone from operating a vehicle on a public road or highway while manually using a cellphone or other wireless device to communicate by text message, instant message or electronic mail.

But the ban would not apply to:

• A driver obtaining emergency services.

• A driver whose motor vehicle was parked on the shoulder of a road or highway.

• A driver getting directions from a navigation or global-positioning system.

The bill would take effect July 1 or Aug. 1 if Bentley approves it, depending on when that happens.

Anyone violating the proposed ban would face a fine of $25 for a first conviction, $50 for a second and $75 for each later conviction.

Each conviction also would carry a 2-point penalty on a person's driving record. A person's driver's license is suspended for at least 60 days if he or she gets 12 or more points in a two-year period.

House Bill 2 would not ban people from talking on cellphones while driving.

Thirty-seven states already ban text messaging for all drivers, according to the Governors Highway Safety Association in Washington.